for_o the_o help_a the_o church_n against_o error_n schism_n and_o scandal_n 3_o that_o these_o synod_n may_v by_o the_o power_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n admonish_v man_n or_o church_n in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v evil_n continue_v in_o or_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o their_o admonition_n carry_v with_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n they_o may_v declare_v man_n or_o church_n to_o be_v subverter_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n to_o shame_v they_o before_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o 5_o they_o may_v by_o a_o solemn_a act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n refuse_v any_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o repent_v 6_o they_o may_v declare_v also_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o these_o err_a people_n or_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o fellowship_n with_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n you_o will_v say_v what_o if_o they_o care_v not_o for_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o be_v as_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v what_o if_o they_o be_v not_o conscientious_a what_o if_o nothing_o can_v prevail_v with_o conscience_n if_o you_o say_v private_a brethren_n may_v admonish_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v more_o than_o if_o any_o private_a brethren_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o again_o pag._n 47._o he_o have_v these_o word_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v but_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v so_o far_o they_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o six_o thing_n mention_v to_o that_o i_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o in_o these_o deliver_v only_o i_o own_o judgement_n but_o by_o what_o i_o know_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o brethren_n with_o who_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v by_o conference_n both_o before_o and_o since_o i_o stand_v charge_v to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o be_v their_o judgement_n also_o yea_o it_o have_v be_v they_o and_o i_o for_o divers_a year_n even_o then_o when_o we_o never_o think_v to_o have_v enjoy_v our_o own_o land_n again_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v judge_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n for_o those_o loud_a and_o grievous_a outcry_n there_o have_v be_v against_o we_o in_o this_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d postscript_n since_o the_o composure_n of_o this_o collection_n of_o testimony_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o take_v unto_o himself_o another_o of_o our_o ancient_a stud_n viz._n worthy_a and_o reverend_a mr._n allin_n of_o dedham_n who_o apprehension_n touch_v the_o controvert_v question_n be_v sufficient_o know_v likewise_o not_o many_o week_n before_o his_o death_n he_o read_v this_o script_n and_o express_v his_o judgement_n thereon_o in_o word_n follow_v reverend_a and_o dear_a brother_n i_o salute_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n i_o humble_o bless_v god_n for_o your_o fruitful_a labour_n in_o this_o your_o collection_n and_o in_o other_o matter_n perform_v by_o you_o concern_v which_o in_o general_a i_o think_v it_o be_v worthy_a serious_a consultation_n among_o your_o friend_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o season_n to_o publish_v the_o same_o 1._o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n touch_v the_o church_n seed_n be_v lay_v asleep_o this_o may_v awaken_v our_o drowsiness_n we_o see_v also_o the_o great_a disorder_n in_o church_n for_o want_n of_o seasonable_a help_n from_o neighbour_a church_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o counsel_n without_o convince_a their_o sentence_n of_o error_n 2_o dly_z we_o see_v how_o our_o present_a doctrine_n be_v reject_v as_o a_o novel_a innovation_n differ_v from_o first_o and_o primitive_a principle_n 3._o who_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v bless_v this_o treatise_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o if_o not_o many_o from_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n about_o these_o truth_n i_o conceive_v also_o some_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o cleave_v to_o these_o first_o way_n of_o christ_n in_o new_a england_n may_v be_v seasonable_o add_v i_o rest_v you_o in_o our_o lord_n john_n allin_n a_o letter_n concern_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n write_v by_o that_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr_n jonathan_n mitchel_n late_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n in_o new_a england_n reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n i_o have_v deliberate_o read_v over_o mr._n dâ—_n essay_n and_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n which_o i_o now_o return_v to_o you_o with_o thanks_o for_o the_o loan_n of_o it_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v i_o see_v not_o matter_n of_o conviction_n in_o it_o his_o answer_n be_v already_o give_v i_o pag._n 35_o if_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n when_o the_o light_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o they_o they_o may_v true_o say_v they_o see_v not_o or_o in_o pag._n 6._o they_o that_o inquire_v of_o god_n with_o a_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v paenal_o answer_v by_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v need_v labour_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o sharp_a censure_n from_o man_n but_o the_o r._n a._n can_v hardly_o expect_v we_o shall_v find_v conviction_n here_o see_v he_o build_v all_o upon_o this_o distinction_n of_o immediate_a and_o mediate_a membership_n which_o with_o the_o consectary_n he_o deduce_v from_o it_o be_v the_o prora_fw-la &_o puppis_fw-la of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o distinction_n himself_o in_o pag._n 34_o 35._o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o his_o former_a essay_n neither_o have_v i_o observe_v much_o more_o in_o this_o writing_n towards_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v have_v before_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o as_o by_o he_o explain_v and_o improve_v to_o be_v evident_a before_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o now_o if_o it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o our_o blindness_n yea_o wilful_a and_o penal_a blindness_n that_o we_o see_v it_o not_o we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o bear_v it_o as_o we_o may_v also_o when_o he_o affirm_v over_o and_o over_o pag._n 75_o 83_o 92_o 103_o 131_o 145_o 152._o that_o we_o ourselves_o confess_v the_o parent_n in_o question_n have_v not_o faith_n or_o be_v not_o visible_a believer_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o we_o have_v plain_o assert_v and_o how_o many_o time_n over_o do_v he_o say_v it_o we_o call_v they_o mere_a member_n which_o we_o have_v disclaim_v and_o do_v not_o so_o call_v they_o but_o member_n not_o in_o full_a communion_n yea_o he_o say_v in_o pag._n 49._o we_o grant_v that_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v church_n member_n etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v we_o receive_v conviction_n from_o such_o discourse_n if_o his_o meaning_n be_v by_o so_o often_o reflect_v on_o our_o mere_a member_n as_o he_o call_v they_o to_o deny_v that_o distinction_n of_o member_n into_o such_o as_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o full_a communion_n that_o will_v seem_v strange_a for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o padâ—baptists_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o approve_v it_o in_o pag._n 35._o yea_o he_o seem_v sometime_o to_o grant_v that_o some_o when_o adult_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o full_a communion_n pag._n 76._o 99_o yet_o he_o call_v for_o a_o rule_n for_o two_o such_o sort_n of_o adult_n member_n pag._n 73._o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o discourse_n of_o particular_n nor_o be_o i_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o answerer_n it_o be_v casie_a to_o observe_v a_o great_a sharpness_n in_o his_o expression_n to_o i_o then_o else_o where_o in_o this_o book_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v consider_v as_o i_o be_o able_a what_o i_o find_v in_o this_o or_o other_o discourse_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o i_o be_v convince_v of_o error_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o issue_v the_o controversy_n but_o by_o such_o voluminous_a writing_n and_o if_o every_o passage_n be_v not_o speak_v to_o he_o count_v himself_o neglect_v or_o unanswered_a and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v before_o say_v stand_v still_o firm_a and_o good_a as_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o this_o book_n above_o twenty_o time_n i_o have_v little_a hope_n to_o see_v a_o issue_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o likely_a way_n for_o a_o issue_n unless_o we_o can_v meet_v
to_o the_o other_o question_n about_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n now_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v less_o needful_a to_o produce_v many_o testimony_n that_o there_o in_o the_o synod_n introduce_v not_o any_o innovation_n for_o some_o that_o dissent_v from_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n about_o baptism_n yet_o in_o this_o last_o concur_v yea_o there_o be_v a_o unanimous_a and_o universal_a assent_n to_o the_o answer_v give_v to_o this_o second_o question_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o antisynodalia_fw-la americanâ—_n do_v acknowledge_v where_o pag._n 12._o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o question_n we_o do_v full_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o all_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o about_o it_o together_o with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v therefore_o among_o our_o new_a english_a worthy_n only_o mention_v the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n cotton_n concern_v this_o question_n which_o what_o it_o be_v may_v be_v see_v large_o express_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 54_o etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v remember_v that_o when_o that_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr._n mitchel_n be_v ordain_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o cambridg_n mr._n cotton_n give_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o messenger_n of_o church_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n serious_o advise_v he_o to_o endeavour_v and_o that_o faithful_a man_n be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o that_o solemn_a advice_n that_o that_o ordinance_n of_o consociation_n of_o church_n may_v be_v due_o practise_v great_o bewail_v the_o defect_n of_o these_o church_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a yea_o mr._n cotton_v heart_n be_v much_o upon_o this_o thing_n in_o his_o latter_a time_n foresee_v that_o without_o it_o these_o church_n and_o the_o congregational_a way_n can_v not_o stand_v he_o do_v therefore_o not_o long_o before_o his_o decease_n draw_v up_o some_o proposition_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o consociation_n plead_v for_o which_o because_o they_o be_v as_o be_v write_v by_o his_o hand_n they_o can_v but_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o insert_v and_o publish_v they_o proposition_n concern_v consociation_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n tender_v to_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o consideration_n and_o acceptance_n according_a to_o god_n proposition_n i._n every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n viz._n a_o particular_a congregation_n furnish_v with_o a_o presly_n ery_z and_o walk_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n full_a power_n ecclesiastical_a within_o itself_o both_o of_o liberty_n to_o receive_v she_o own_o member_n to_o choose_v she_o own_o officer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o also_o of_o authority_n to_o administer_v sacrament_n censure_v she_o own_o offender_n and_o restore_v penitent_n mat._n 18_o 18_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o act_n 6.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o 14_o 23._o so_o as_o this_o consociation_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n but_o only_o by_o counsel_n from_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v and_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o right_a administration_n thereof_o upon_o all_o just_a occasion_n proposition_n ii_o althought_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v independent_a on_o each_o other_o and_o have_v equal_o the_o high_a power_n ecclesiastical_a under_o christ_n and_o be_v lead_v with_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o yet_o paul_n with_o barnabas_n and_o titus_n go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o by_o revelation_n not_o only_o to_o confer_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o apostle_n about_o his_o doctrine_n leave_v he_o have_v or_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a gal_n 2.1_o 2._o but_o also_o consociate_v or_o make_v agreement_n with_o they_o by_o mutual_a give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o dispose_v the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o they_o may_v procure_v the_o more_o free_a and_o effectual_a passage_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v much_o rather_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o very_o profitable_a and_o needful_a for_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o church_n though_o equal_a in_o power_n want_v that_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o comer_n and_o consult_v and_o consociate_v or_o agree_v together_o about_o all_o such_o weighty_a matter_n in_o which_o counsel_n and_o concurrence_n to_o avoid_v suspicion_n of_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n and_o so_o to_o expedite_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o all_o proposition_n iii_o if_o when_o peter_n give_v offence_n at_o antioch_n the_o apostle_n paul_n take_v liberty_n to_o rebuke_v he_o before_o they_o all_o though_o he_o be_v his_o equal_a in_o place_n and_o power_n and_o that_o no_o doubt_n out_o of_o that_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o he_o owe_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n peter_n also_o submit_v thereunto_o than_o it_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o the_o equality_n of_o church_n out_o of_o their_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o admonish_v each_o other_o in_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o admonition_n from_o the_o word_n in_o meckness_n of_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o the_o rule_n do_v require_v proposition_n iu._n out_o of_o question_n the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o bode_n king_n and_o compassionate_a high_a pâ—â—â—st_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n have_v as_o great_a a_o love_n and_o care_n of_o the_o purity_n peace_n and_o edisocation_n of_o whole_a church_n as_o of_o particular_a saint_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o those_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o heal_v the_o public_a error_n diffention_n and_o other_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o certain_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v some_o sufficient_a mean_a to_o preserve_v their_o purity_n and_o peace_n to_o heal_v and_o help_v the_o evil_n and_o distemper_n of_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o particular_a believer_n now_o then_o since_o apostle_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v cease_v that_o have_v power_n in_o all_o church_n and_o only_a love_n remain_v what_o other_o ecclesiastical_a help_n be_v there_o leave_v without_o infringe_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o brotherly_a love_n mutual_a watchfulness_n brotherly_a care_n and_o counsel_n which_o elder_n and_o church_n ought_v therefore_o to_o practise_v towards_o each_o other_o in_o this_o way_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o assistance_n on_o all_o just_a occasion_n proposition_n v._n upon_o these_o and_o other_o scripture_n ground_n and_o example_n and_o for_o the_o end_n above_o say_v it_o be_v very_o meet_a and_o requisite_a according_a to_o our_o present_a practice_n that_o when_o any_o company_n of_o christian_n intend_v to_o unite_v themselves_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v in_o a_o church_n state_n to_o elect_v and_o ordain_v any_o elder_n over_o they_o that_o in_o due_a time_n they_o signify_v their_o intention_n to_o the_o neighbour_a church_n walk_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o such_o may_v be_v have_v desire_v their_o presence_n assistance_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o as_o a_o church_n be_v a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n so_o the_o act_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o light_n put_v under_o a_o bushel_n but_o may_v so_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o other_o church_n behold_v and_o approve_v their_o orderly_a proceed_n as_o they_o may_v the_o more_o ready_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o walk_v with_o more_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n proposition_n vi._n in_o such_o matter_n of_o public_a censure_n wherein_o through_o the_o obscenity_n and_o difficulty_n thereof_o or_o otherwise_o there_o do_v arise_v difference_n tend_v to_o dangerous_a division_n and_o distraction_n in_o the_o church_n or_o offence_n to_o other_o church_n in_o all_o such_o caâ—es_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o requisite_a that_o the_o church_n proceed_v advise_o with_o the_o counsel_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o elder_a or_o elder_n with_o other_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a brethâ—â—â—_n of_o other_o church_n clear_v up_o from_o the_o word_n what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v do_v proposition_n vii_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o censure_n but_o also_o in_o other_o case_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n wherein_o for_o want_v of_o light_n or_o of_o the_o
that_o assembly_n in_o his_o catechism_n concern_v church_n discipline_n pag._n 224_o 226_o 227._o thus_o express_v his_o judgement_n church_n be_v gather_v and_o settle_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o preserve_v a_o mutual_a holy_a communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a good_a and_o edification_n may_v be_v promote_v in_o desire_v or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n whether_o doctrinal_a or_o practical_a as_o may_v arise_v in_o any_o of_o they_o act_v 15.2_o 6._o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n either_o by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o precipitation_n or_o mistake_v in_o other_o administration_n do_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o church_n those_o other_o church_n may_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o in_o case_n they_o persist_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o because_o in_o their_o difficulty_n and_o before_o their_o miscarriage_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v desire_v the_o advice_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n of_o those_o other_o church_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o the_o other_o be_v to_o recover_v the_o end_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o utmost_a ability_n gal_n 2.6_o 11._o and_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v right_o and_o just_o censure_v in_o any_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o church_n what_o ever_o both_o because_o of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v presume_v until_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o case_n there_o have_v be_v any_o difficulty_n or_o doubt_n in_o the_o proceedure_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o those_o church_n with_o who_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o consult_v thus_o far_o doctor_n owen_n likewise_o doctor_n thomas_n goodwin_n and_o mr._n philip_n nye_n in_o that_o worthy_a epistle_n which_o they_o have_v prefix_v before_o mr._n cotton_v book_n of_o the_o key_n in_o which_o epistle_n the_o congregational_a way_n be_v true_o state_v and_o assert_v as_o it_o differ_v from_o both_o the_o extreme_n viz._n from_o presbyterianisme_n on_o the_o one_o and_o brownism_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v declare_v their_o concurrence_n with_o he_o in_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o association_n or_o communion_n of_o church_n send_v their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o christ_n have_v in_o relation_n to_o rectify_v male_a administration_n and_o heal_a dissension_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o like_a case_n commit_v a_o due_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o power_n suit_v and_o proportion_v to_o those_o end_n and_o furnish_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ability_n to_o give_v counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o further_a upon_o such_o like_a occasion_n with_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o determine_v declare_v and_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o reduce_v congregation_n to_o right_a order_n and_o peace_n see_v pag._n 4._o 6_o 7_o 10._o moreover_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o congregationals_n have_v be_v according_a to_o this_o profession_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o apologetical_a narration_n publish_v by_o doctor_n goodwin_n mr._n philip_n nye_n mr._n sydrach_n simpson_n mr._n burrough_n and_o mr._n bridg._n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o famous_a apologist_n as_o paul_n speak_v concern_v james_n cephas_n and_o john_n among_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n and_o worthy_o be_v they_o so_o account_v among_o congregationals_n since_o also_o that_o apologetical_a narration_n though_o print_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o but_o few_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o transcribe_v and_o insert_v some_o page_n of_o it_o and_o therein_o they_o thus_o declare_v see_v pag._n 15._o to_o pag._n 22._o and_o whereas_o say_v they_o the_o common_a prejudice_n and_o exception_n lay_v into_o all_o man_n thought_n against_o we_o and_o our_o opinion_n be_v that_o in_o such_o congregational_a government_n thus_o entire_a within_o itself_o there_o be_v not_o allow_v sufficient_a remedy_n for_o miscarriage_n though_o never_o so_o gross_a no_o relief_n for_o wrongful_a sentence_n or_o person_n injure_v thereby_o no_o room_n for_o complaint_n no_o powerful_a or_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reduce_v a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o fall_v into_o heresy_n schism_n etc._n etc._n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v and_o may_v take_v liberty_n without_o control_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n we_o have_v through_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o from_o the_o avow_a declaration_n of_o our_o judgement_n among_o our_o church_n mutual_o during_o our_o exile_n and_o that_o also_o confirm_v by_o the_o most_o solemn_a instance_n of_o our_o practice_n wherewith_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o and_o way_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o upon_o no_o other_o occasion_n we_o shall_v ever_o have_v make_v thus_o public_a god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o a_o scandal_n and_o offence_n fall_v out_o between_o those_o very_a church_n whilst_o live_v in_o this_o banishment_n whereof_o we_o ourselves_o that_o write_v these_o thing_n be_v then_o the_o minister_n one_o of_o our_o church_n have_v unhappy_o depose_v one_o of_o their_o minister_n the_o other_o judge_v it_o not_o only_o too_o sudden_a a_o act_n have_v proceed_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n without_o consuit_v their_o sâ—ster_n church_n as_o be_v public_o profess_v we_o shall_v have_v do_v in_o such_o case_n of_o concernment_n but_o also_o in_o the_o proceed_n thereof_o as_o too_o severe_a and_o not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o this_o case_n our_o church_n do_v mutual_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o this_o as_o a_o sacred_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o supreme_a law_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o church_n that_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o apostolical_a command_n church_n as_o well_o as_o particular_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n they_o live_v among_o so_o that_o in_o all_o case_n such_o offence_n or_o difference_n by_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o common_a law_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o common_a they_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n or_o church_n challenge_v to_o offend_v or_o differ_v be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o upon_o the_o challenge_n of_o the_o offence_n or_o complaint_n of_o the_o person_n wrong_v to_o the_o most_o full_a and_o open_a trial_n and_o examination_n by_o other_o neighbour_n church_n offend_v thereat_o of_o what_o ever_o have_v give_v the_o offence_n and_o further_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o like_a law_n of_o not_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n the_o church_n offend_v may_v and_o aught_o upon_o the_o impenitency_n of_o those_o church_n persist_v in_o their_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o pronounce_v that_o heavy_a sentence_n against_o they_o of_o withdraw_a and_o renounce_v all_o christian_a communion_n with_o they_o until_o they_o do_v repent_v and_o further_o to_o declare_v and_o protest_v this_o with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a and_o what_o further_a authority_n or_o proceed_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a of_o one_o or_o many_o church_n towards_o another_o whole_a church_n or_o church_n offend_v either_o the_o scripture_n do_v hold_v forth_o or_o can_v rational_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n without_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v a_o power_n or_o another_o nature_n unto_o which_o we_o upon_o his_o particular_a cognizance_n and_o examination_n of_o such_o cause_n profess_v ever_o to_o submit_v and_o also_o to_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o for_o our_o part_n we_o see_v not_o then_o nor_o do_v yet_o see_v and_o likewise_o we_o do_v then_o suppose_v and_o do_v yet_o that_o this_o principle_n of_o submission_n of_o church_n that_o miscarry_v unto_o other_o church_n offend_v together_o with_o this_o other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n enjoin_v to_o church_n that_o be_v final_o offend_v to_o denounce_v such_o a_o sentence_n of_o non_fw-fr communion_n and_o withdraw_n from_o they_o whilst_o impenitent_a as_o unworthy_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n these_o principle_n be_v receive_v and_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o mutual_a duty_n as_o strict_o enjoin_v they_o by_o christ_n as_o any_o other_o that_o these_o will_v be_v as_o effectual_a mean_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n to_o awe_n
and_o preserve_v church_n and_o their_o elder_n in_o their_o duty_n as_o that_o other_o of_o claim_n to_o a_o authoritative_a power_n ecclesiastical_a to_o excommunicate_v other_o church_n or_o their_o elder_n offend_v for_o if_o the_o one_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o other_o in_o a_o mire_n ecclesiastical_a notion_n that_o of_o excommunication_n pretend_v have_v but_o this_o more_o in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o delivery_n of_o whole_a church_n and_o their_o elder_n offend_v unto_o satan_n for_o which_o we_o know_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n over_o other_o church_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o bind_a obligation_n both_o of_o the_o one_o way_n and_o the_o other_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o lie_v but_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o warrant_n and_o injunction_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n to_o put_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o into_o execution_n and_o 2._o that_o man_n conscience_n be_v according_o take_v therewith_o so_o as_o to_o subject_v themselves_o whether_o unto_o the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o for_o suppose_v that_o other_o principle_n of_o authoritative_a power_n in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n combine_v to_o excommunicate_v other_o church_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yet_o unless_o it_o do_v take_v hold_v of_o man_n conscience_n and_o be_v receive_v among_o all_o church_n the_o offend_a church_n will_v slight_v all_o such_o excommunication_n as_o much_o as_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v our_o way_n of_o protestation_n and_o sentence_n of_o non_fw-fr communion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v this_o way_n of_o we_o be_v but_o as_o strong_o entertain_v as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o way_n and_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v heedful_o put_v in_o execution_n it_o will_v awe_v man_n conscience_n as_o much_o and_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o whicâ—_n we_o give_v as_o much_o and_z as_o we_o think_v more_o than_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o yield_v do_v buâ—_n assi_v and_o back_o the_o sentence_n of_o other_o church_n denounce_v this_o non_fw-fr communion_n against_o church_n miscarry_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n as_o they_o judge_v meet_v and_o as_o they_o will_v the_o sentence_n of_o chu_n che_v excommunicate_v other_o church_n in_o such_o case_n upon_o their_o own_o particular_a judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n then_o without_o all_o controversy_n this_o our_o way_n of_o church_n proceed_v will_v be_v every_o way_n as_o effectual_a as_o their_o other_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o we_o be_v sure_o more_o brotherly_a and_o more_o suit_v to_o that_o liberty_n and_o equality_n christ_n have_v endow_v his_o church_n with_o but_o without_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v their_o authority_n their_o way_n of_o proceed_v will_v be_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o we_o and_o more_o liable_a to_o contempt_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o authorita_fw-la ive_z and_o to_o inflict_v more_o dreadful_a punishment_n which_o carnal_a spirit_n be_v seldom_o sensible_a of_o this_o for_o our_o judgement_n and_o for_o a_o eâ—l_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n both_o that_o this_o be_v then_o our_o judgement_n as_o likewise_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o effectual_a success_n of_o such_o a_o course_n hold_v by_o church_n in_o such_o case_n our_o own_o practice_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n thereon_o may_v plead_v and_o testify_v for_o we_o to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o manage_n of_o this_o transaction_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o church_n which_o with_o other_o be_v most_o scandalize_v do_v by_o letter_n declare_v their_o offence_n require_v of_o the_o church_n suppose_v to_o be_v offend_v in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o relieve_v the_o party_n wrong_v to_o yield_v a_o full_a and_o public_a hear_n before_o all_o the_o church_n of_o our_o nation_n or_o any_o other_o whosoever_o offend_v of_o what_o they_o can_v give_v in_o charge_n against_o their_o proceed_n in_o that_o deposition_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o open_a trial_n and_o review_v of_o all_o those_o forepast_a carriage_n that_o concern_v that_o particular_a which_o they_o most_o cheerful_o and_o ready_o according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n submit_v unto_o in_o a_o place_n and_o state_n where_o no_o outward_a violence_n or_o any_o other_o external_a authority_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a will_v have_v enforce_v they_o thereunto_o and_o according_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n offend_v with_o other_o two_o gentleman_n of_o much_o worth_n wisdom_n and_o piety_n member_n thereof_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n from_o that_o church_n and_o at_o the_o introduction_n and_o entrance_n into_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n the_o solemnity_n of_o which_o have_v leave_v as_o deep_a a_o impression_n upon_o our_o heart_n of_o christâ—_n dreadful_a presence_n as_o ever_o any_o we_o have_v be_v present_a at_o it_o be_v open_o and_o public_o profess_v in_o a_o speech_n that_o be_v the_o preface_n to_o that_o discussion_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v maxim_n that_o any_o religion_n have_v ever_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o contradictory_n and_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o of_o christianity_n that_o a_o single_a and_o particular_a society_n of_o mâ—n_z profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o saâ—e_v body_n and_o society_n within_o themselves_o shall_v further_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o exemption_n from_o give_v account_n or_o be_v censurable_a of_o any_o other_o either_o christian_a magistrate_n above_o they_o or_o neighbour_n church_n about_o they_o so_o far_o be_v our_o judgement_n from_o that_o independent_a liberty_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o then_o when_o we_o have_v least_o dependency_n on_o this_o kingdom_n or_o so_o much_o as_o hope_n ever_o to_o abide_v therein_o in_o peace_n and_o for_o the_o issue_n and_o success_n of_o this_o agitation_n after_o there_o have_v be_v for_o many_o day_n as_o judiciary_n and_o full_a a_o charge_n trial_n and_o deposition_n of_o witness_n open_o before_o all_o comer_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o court_n where_o authority_n enjoin_v it_o that_o church_n which_o have_v offend_v do_v as_o public_o acknowledge_v their_o sinful_a aberration_n in_o it_o restore_v their_o minister_n to_o his_o place_n again_o and_o order_v a_o solemn_a day_n for_o fast_v to_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o man_n for_o their_o sinful_a carriage_n in_o it_o and_o the_o party_n also_o which_o have_v be_v depose_v do_v acknowledge_v to_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o have_v likewise_o sin_v so_o that_o these_o godly_a learned_a writer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v a_o popedom_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o deem_v it_o a_o abhor_a maxim_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v unaccountable_a to_o or_o not_o censurable_a by_o neighbour_n church_n about_o they_o they_o therefore_o that_o do_v reject_v the_o coâ—nsociation_n or_o communion_n plead_v for_o want_v that_o which_o be_v one_o specifical_a character_n of_o a_o true_a congregational_a man_n whereby_o such_o be_v distinguish_v from_o brownist_n and_o morellian_n who_o principle_n have_v ever_o be_v disow_v and_o disavow_v by_o congregationals_n who_o have_v also_o think_v themselves_o not_o a_o little_a inâ—ured_v when_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o same_o else_o how_o have_v hornebeck_n summa_fw-la controversiaruâ—_n de_fw-fr brownishis_n and_o baily_n dissuasive_a and_o other_o writing_n ej_v â—fde_v in_o commatis_fw-la be_v so_o distasteful_a and_o dissatisfactory_a to_o all_o of_o that_o way_n who_o understand_v what_o principle_n they_o go_v upon_o moreover_o that_o our_o congregational_a brethren_n be_v for_o such_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o be_v by_o the_o late_a synod_n assert_v be_v yet_o far_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o bless_a burrough_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n about_o heart_n division_n see_v pag._n 84._o and_o 163._o and_o in_o pag._n 43_o 44._o there_o be_v these_o word_n 1._o those_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o way_n to_o church_n about_o they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o who_o shall_v require_v it_o this_o not_o in_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n but_o as_o a_o duty_n that_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n 2_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o synod_n of_o other_o minister_n and_o elder_n about_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n